The Mercedes-Benz SL of the so-called R129 generation was in the showroom for more than ten years. As is often the case with long-career models, the car was regularly updated during that career. We compare an early and a late copy.
If we forget the legendary 300SL ‘Gullwing’ for a moment, the SL of the R129 generation is without a doubt one of the most loved model series. Let us put that even more safely: the SL of the R129 generation is without a doubt one of the last generations of Mercedes’ legendary SL series that can count on a large fan base at all.
The super-roadster, which appeared in 1988, is blessed with that typical understated beauty that is so characteristic of cars from this period. The fact that young-timer enthusiasts are massively focusing on cars from this period, has not only to do with the requirement that the stuff must be fifteen years or older.
Just how timeless the R129 was, was demonstrated by its durability. The sleek and yet unmistakably distinguished-looking car did not disappear from the market until 2001. In twelve years, nothing really really changed to the model, as it certainly happened with the facelift of the successor R230. The shape of key features such as headlights and grille remained intact at all times on the R129.
Still, a late R129 can be distinguished from an early one. The first ‘giveaway’ is the color of the direction indicators, which were white glass on later cars and hidden in an orange housing on honest early ones. In the early years, the bumpers and side panels, which were initially painted in a different color, were also painted in color, minor technical changes were made and the cooling opening in the side was given a different shape.
1998
However, the biggest facelift did not materialize until 1998, ten years after the introduction of the R129. In that year the car got new, more modern bumpers, with a molded-in bumper strip in the style of the then new SLK. The headlights were given modern lens technology with xenon, where previous SLs had to do with ‘old-fashioned’ mirrors. The rear lights were also tightened. The characteristic ribbed profile was allowed to remain, but was strongly rounded. The layout and color scheme have also been clearly refreshed.
The interior should certainly not be left unspoken. That of a late R129 is still clearly recognizable as such, but at the same time looks completely different. A new steering wheel, more modern door panels, a more tidy center console and the addition of all kinds of (at the time) modern luxuries had to ensure that a late R129 was still up to date.
In the meantime, every R129 has aged considerably, but a late one still looks clearly fresher than an early one. Will you go for the modernized version, or will the original appearance of this driving legend remain the best in your opinion?